How to Remove Mucus and Phlegm?

Mucus is referred to by various names. Snot is the sticky goo that comes out of your nose when you have a cold, or phlegm, the sludge that clogs the lungs and causes coughing.

However, mucus, on the other hand, is much more than a runny nose. Your body is constantly producing mucus.

Mucus also plays an important role in overall well-being. It coats the body's wet surfaces, such as:

A thin film of mucus coats the eyes as well. Mucus acts as a lubricant to keep tissues from drying out.

Mucus can become thicker and stickier during infection, leading to inflammation in the mucous membranes of the nose and airway.

Causes of mucus and phlegm in the throat

There are various factors and triggers for persistent and prolonged phlegm in the mouth and a constant sensation of mucus in the throat.

The following are some of the causes of persistent phlegm in the throat:

Post Nasal Drip:

It is characterised by mucus passing from the nose to the throat, which is usually caused by a food allergy.

Cold or Flu:

The phlegm's outward appearance has changed. The person's phlegm could be thickened or yellow in colour.

Seasonal Allergies:

Phlegm may also be caused by allergies to certain substances; a person who is allergic to a substance can experience constant phlegm in their throat. Taking an antihistamine, decongestant, or removing the allergen from the body usually brings relief.

Acute Bronchitis:

Bronchitis is caused by a virus or bacterial infection. It causes the bronchial tubes to swell or become inflamed, resulting in excessive phlegm production.

Pneumonia:

Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral infection of the lungs.

Sinusitis:

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses caused by a virus, bacterial, or fungal infection. It may also be due to an allergy. Constant phlegm in the throat is a symptom of the disease.

Tuberculosis:

This is a bacterial infection of the lungs that causes the body to produce excessive phlegm.

Symptoms of mucus and phlegm

How do you remove Mucus and Phlegm?

Turmeric:

Turmeric is a beautiful spice. Curcumin, turmeric's bioactive ingredient, has over 150 possible medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cancer-fighting properties. Curcumin's antibacterial properties are perhaps its most strong. Mucus and phlegm, on the other hand, are densely populated with bacteria (and viruses),

making curcumin an excellent option. Curcumin is most commonly used as an ingredient in turmeric, but it is also available as a standalone supplement.

Ginger Tea:

Ginger is a highly adaptable ingredient. It's a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and excellent decongestant. By drying out the water-laden mucus and phlegm, ginger helps to soothe the chest and neck.

Honey and Lemon:

This blend is good for calming the respiratory tract and making you feel better. Antibacterial and antifungal properties are among them. Lemon contains vitamin C, which helps to improve the immune system while also reducing blockages.

Honey is a popular choice among cold sufferers because it adds flavour to almost every beverage while avoiding the harmful effects of refined sugar. Honey also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are both beneficial when fighting congestion.

Keeping the Air Moist:

As a lubricant, dry air irritates the nose and throat, causing more mucus to develop. A cool mist humidifier in the bedroom will help you sleep better, keep your nose clear, and avoid a sore throat.

Moisturising the air around you can help thin mucus. You may have learned that steam helps with coughing and phlegm. However, there isn't any research to back this up, and it might also cause burns. A cool mist humidifier can be used instead of steam. You should have the humidifier on all day.

Keep the Body Hydrated:

To keep mucus thin, the body needs to remain hydrated. When a person has a cold, drinking plenty of fluids will help thin the mucus and drain the sinuses. Seasonal allergy sufferers can find that keeping hydrated helps them prevent congestion.

Drinking enough liquids, especially warm liquids, can aid mucus flow. Water will help you breathe easier by allowing your mucus to flow around. Anything from juice to transparent broths to chicken soup can be consumed. Decaffeinated tea, warm fruit juice, or lemon water are all fine liquid options.

Avoid Suppressing Cough:

When you have a nagging, phlegm-filled cough, it can be tempting to take suppressants. Coughing, on the other hand, is the body's way of removing secretions from the lungs and mouth. If at all, use cough syrups sparingly.

Gargle with Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water will help remove phlegm from the back of your throat. It has the potential to destroy germs and soothe a sore throat. Combine a cup of water and 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Warm water dissolves the salt more easily than cold water.

It's also a safe idea to drink filtered or bottled water that is free of chlorine. Sip a sip of the concoction while leaning back slightly. Allow the liquid to wash down your throat without swallowing it. Gargle by gently blowing air out from your lungs for 30-60 seconds, then spitting out the water. As required, repeat the process.

Proper Medications

Expectorants are medications that thin mucus and phlegm, making them easier to cough or blow out. It's important to ensure these medications do not contain decongestants as well. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also be used. Decongestants, for example, reduce nasal mucus production, which, although not phlegm, can lead to chest congestion.

Decongestants work by reducing nasal swelling and opening up the airways. Guaifenesin (Mucinex) can be used to thin mucus, preventing it from accumulating in the throat or chest. Expectorants help expel mucus by thinning and loosening it. This OTC treatment typically lasts for 12 hours, and dosage and frequency should adhere to product instructions. There are formulations available for children aged four and older.

Avoid using alcohol and caffeine.

If ingested in excess, both substances cause dehydration. Drink plenty of wet, non-caffeinated beverages if mucus and phlegm are a problem.

Avoid eating food that causes acid reflux.

Acid reflux may cause increased phlegm and mucus. People who are susceptible to heartburn should avoid trigger foods and seek medical advice about how to treat their condition.

Takeaway:

Mucus formed in the lungs and lower respiratory tract is known as phlegm. When a person is acutely ill or has a long-term health problem, it is most apparent. Even when an individual is well, mucus forms a protective lining in some areas of the body. Mucus helps to keep these areas moist and protects them from invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Since mucus is sticky, it traps dust, allergens, and viruses. When you're well, mucus is thin and less visible.

When you're sick or exposed to a lot of particles, phlegm thickens and becomes more visible as it traps foreign particles. While phlegm is an integral part of your respiratory system, if it is bothering you, you should try to thin it or remove it from your body.

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